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PA Code of Practice on Author Contracts

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The PA Code of Practice on Author Contracts 2010 is designed to facilitate the constructive and co-operative relationship between book authors and their publishers that is vital to sucessful publishing.  The Code attempts to address some areas which may lead to avoidable conflict, and is recommended to PA members in their dealings with authors.

 It includes guidance on:

  • Matters which particularly need to be defined in the contract
  • Moral rights
  • A fair balance of reward
  • Manuscript handling best practice
  • Cancelling contracts
  • Accounts  
  • Option clauses
  • Reversion of rights

This 2010 revision replaces 1997 and 1982 versions.  Our thanks to PA Counsel Hugh Jones for leading its formulation, and to the APD Copyright Committee and Trade Publishers Council for their input.